waste transfer station, lower ecton lane, great billing

Contaminated Land Air Quality Environmental Audit

Partnership No: OC 300776

Smith Grant LLP, Station House, Station Road, Ruabon, Wrexham, LL14 6DL

tel: 01978 822367 fax: 01978 824718 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.smithgrant.co.uk Members: F Smith (Chairman), K E Hawkins, B J Thomas

WASTE TRANSFER STATION, LOWER ECTON LANE,

GREAT BILLING

Planning ref: 12/00075/WASFUL

ODOUR ASSESSMENT

For: Mick George Ltd

December 2012

R1782-R01-v2

Waste Transfer Station, Great Billing 1 Odour Assessment

Smith Grant LLP r1782-r01-v2/final Environmental Consultancy 7th December 2012

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Report Title:

Waste Transfer Station, Lower Ecton Lane, Great Billing Odour Assessment

Client:

Mick George Limited

Report Reference Number:

R1782-R01

Report Status:

Final

Version:

v2

Date:

December 2012

for: Smith Grant LLP Name Position Signature Date Author

K Hawkins BSc MSc MIEMA CEnv MIAQM MIEnvSci

Partner

07.12.12

Checked

L Dreiling BSc AIEMA MIEnvSci MIAQM

Consultant

07.12.12

Document Revision Record:

Version Report Status Date Details of Revision

v1 Draft 06.12.12 Draft for client review

v2 Final 07.12.12 Final; no amendments to draft version



WASTE TRANSFER STATION, GREAT BILLING ODOUR ASSESSMENT For: Mick George Limited Contents

1 Introduction

2 Technical and Legislative Context

3 Methodology

4 Proposed Development

5 Baseline Conditions

6 Odour Assessment

7 Monitoring and Management Recommendations

8 Conclusions

Figures

D01 Site Location

D02 Nearby Sensitive Receptors

ADMS Plots

ADMS 1-07 98th percentile concentrations – current operations

ADMS 2-07 98th percentile concentrations – proposed operations

Appendices

A Annual Wind Rose – Bedford

B Field ‘sniff’ survey results



1 Introduction

1.1 Mick George Limited has submitted a planning application to Northampton County Council

(NCC) with regards to an existing Waste Transfer Station (WTS) located off Lower Ecton Lane,

Great Billing. The application seeks to regularise existing operations, amend the permitted

waste streams, increase the operating hours and extend the life of the site. Mick George Ltd

instructed Smith Grant LLP (SGP) to carry out an odour assessment in support of the planning

application.

1.2 Site details are:

Table 1.1: Site Details

Address Land at Lower Ecton Lane, Great Billing

National Grid Reference 481960 262095

Local Authority Northampton County Council (NCC)

Northampton Borough Council (NBC)

Site Area 0.43 ha

Nature of Current Site waste transfer station

Proposed Development waste transfer station

1.3 The following report includes an assessment of the potential odour generation from the facility

and impacts on nearby receptors. Recommendations are made where mitigation could be

required in order to prevent unacceptable impacts.

1.4 SGP is an environmental consultancy specialising in air quality assessments, particularly in

association with odours from proposed and operating waste management plants. SGP is a

company member of the Association of Organic Recycling (AFOR) and Environmental

Protection UK (EPUK). The report author and reviewer are both Members of the Institute of Air

Quality Management (IAQM). The report author has 19 years experience in environmental

assessment.

2 Technical and Legislative Context

2.1 Odours

2.1.1 An odour is the organoleptic attribute perceptible by the olfactory organ on sniffing certain

volatile substances. Odours may be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant, and the key concern

with odour is its ability to cause a response in an individual that is considered to be

objectionable or offensive. There is a wide variation between individuals as to what is deemed



unacceptable and as to what can affect an individual’s quality of life. As it may cause offense to

human senses odour is defined as a pollutant.

2.1.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 provides some general guidance to local

authorities on taking air pollution (and hence odours as a pollutant) into account in planning

policies and decisions. This includes guidance that ‘to prevent unacceptable risks from

pollution, planning policies and decisions should ensure that new development is appropriate for

its location. The effects (including cumulative effects) on health, the natural environment or

general amenity, and the potential sensitivity of the area or proposed development to adverse

effects from pollution, should be taken into account’.

2.1.3 No further specific guidance is currently provided in the NPPF or the supporting technical

guidance. In assessing the risks posed by odours to, or by, new development, reference is

therefore made to guidance provided by DEFRA to Local Authorities1.

2.1.4 Odour can give rise to a statutory nuisance under Part III of the EPA 1990. A statutory

nuisance from odour is an odour that has been assessed by an Environmental Health Officer

(EHO) as being ‘prejudicial to health or a nuisance’.

2.1.5 There are no mandatory numerical standards in the UK for assessing odour levels, although

some guideline values can be used for assessing potential odour impacts. Although odours can

be due to a single chemical, they are typically due to a complex mixture of compounds making

reliable ‘chemical’ analysis or measurement at source difficult. As such, there is no single

method for reliably measuring or assessing odour pollution, and the potential for an odour

nuisance, and any conclusion is best based on a number of pieces of evidence.

2.1.6 The concentration at which an odour is just detectable to a typical human nose is referred to as

the ‘threshold concentration’. An odour concentration of 1 odour unit (ouE/m3) equates to the

level at which 50% of a trained olfactometry panel can detect a faint odour, and is the point of

detection. Typical odour concentrations can be described as:

1 ouE/m3: odour threshold,

3 ouE/m3: the point at which a smell is recognisable,

5 ouE/m3: noticeable, but faint, and

10 ouE/m3: a distinct smell.

1 DEFRA, Odour Guidance for Local Authorities, March 2010



2.1.7 The odour concentrations for normal background odours such as from traffic, grass cutting,

plants etc can typically range from 5 ouE/m3 to 40 ouE/m3.

2.1.8 The odour quality, hedonic tone (pleasantness or unpleasantness) and concentration can

influence the potential for annoyance and perception leading to complaint. Hedonic tones may

vary from +4 for very pleasant odours (e.g. bakeries) to -4 for foul ones (e.g. rotting flesh).

However, even relatively pleasant odours may become objectionable, if not offensive, by virtue

of persistence and intensity.

2.1.9 To establish the presence of a statutory nuisance the significance of an odour can be assessed

based on the FIDOL factors detailed below:

o Frequency: how often an individual is exposed to odour

o Intensity: the perceived strength of the odour proportional to concentration; level of odour

o Duration: duration of exposure to the odour

o Offensiveness: type of odour; some odours are generally regarded as more unpleasant than

others

o Location: type of land use / sensitivity of the complainant

2.1.10 A wide range of industrial, waste and agricultural installations require an Environment Permit to

operate under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, and

subsequent amendments. The aim of the permitting system is to prevent, and where that is not

practicable reduce, emissions to air, water and land by potentially polluting and other

installations. The types of installations requiring a permit to operate are detailed in the

regulations and are regulated by either the Environment Agency (Part A1 facilities) or the

relevant Local Authority (Part A2 facilities). Certain facilities are only regulated for air emissions

(termed Part B facilities) and are regulated by the Local Authority.

2.1.11 Premises that are operated under a permit are required to operate in such a way that a) all the

appropriate preventative measures are taken against pollution, in particular through the

application of the best available technique; and b) no significant pollution is caused.

2.1.12 As a pollutant odour arising from permitted facilities must be controlled to the satisfaction of the

Environment Agency. The Permit typically includes an odour boundary condition and a

condition requiring compliance with an Odour Management Plan (OMP). The Permit will require

the use of appropriate measures to prevent, or where that is not practicable, to minimise the

odour.



2.1.13 The EA technical guidance2 to holders / potential holders of Environmental Permits proposes

indicative benchmark levels that may be used to predict the impacts of new proposals where

exposure levels are being modelled. Different benchmarks are provided for different industrial

sources recognising that odours vary in degree of offensiveness. The benchmarks are based

on the 98th percentile of hourly average concentrations of odour modelled over a year at a site /

installation boundary, as follows:

o less offensiveness odours: 6 odour units (ouE/m3, 98th percentile, ie, that level which will not

be exceeded for more than 2% of the time, or 175 hours per annum),

o moderate offensiveness odours, 3 ouE/m3, 98th percentile, and

o most offensiveness odours, 1.5 ouE/m3, 98th percentile.

2.1.14 Any modelling that predicts exposures above these benchmark levels at sensitive receptors,

after taking into account uncertainty, indicates the likelihood of unacceptable odour pollution.

The EA however does not specify exposure values at the boundary or nearby receptors in the

Environmental Permits and the guidance advises that other assessment methods and site-

specific influences should also be taken into account in assessing the likelihood of unacceptable

pollution.

3 Methodology 3.1 Scope of the Assessment

3.1.1 The site is located immediately alongside the Great Billing waste water treatment works

(WwTW). It is understood that complaints have been raised by nearby residents regarding

odours arising from the WwTW and it is possible that the waste transfer station may contribute

to these odours. The odour assessment has therefore focused on the potential for the revised

site operations to generate odours and the potential for these to contribute to odours in the area

and impact the nearby receptors.

3.1.2 In undertaking the air quality assessment, SGP undertook the following activities:

• site visit to view the site; to inspect the existing and proposed site buildings and

operations,

• walkover of the surrounding area to confirm the current site setting and to undertake a

‘sniff survey’,

• review of baseline air quality and weather conditions,

• review of NBC air quality reports and data,

• assessment of odours from the site and adjoining sewage treatment works,

2 EA Technical Guidance Note H4 Odour Management, April 2011



• provision of recommendations for mitigation, and

• assessment of residual effects.

3.1.3 Consultations were held in advance of carrying out the assessment with Mark Lawrenson,

Principal Development Control Planner, NCC and Natasha Stanley, Senior Environmental

Health Officer, NBC. Although located within NBC, the site lies within close proximity of the

boundary with Wellingborough Borough Council (WBC) and hence consultations were also held

with David Haynes, Principal Environmental Protection Manager, WBC.

3.1.4 The site visit was undertaken by K Hawkins, Partner, SGP on 7th November 2012. The weather

was dry, mild (10°-12°C) and slightly breezy with variable cloud cover during the day.

3.1.5 A qualitative assessment of the impacts of odours on potentially sensitive receptors has been

undertaken taking into account meteorological data, topography, site activities, screening and

proximity to receptors. In undertaking the odour assessment reference is made to EA2 and

DEFRA1 guidance. To further inform the assessment a screening modelling exercise of the

potential odours associated with the existing and proposed operations has been undertaken

using a recognised air dispersion model, ADMS v4.

4 Proposed Development

4.1 Current Site Description and Operations

4.1.1 Full descriptions of the processes to be undertaken are provided in the planning application and

only those aspects of relevance to odours are described here.

4.1.2 The facility currently comprises an area of 0.43ha housing a single 3-sided steel clad building

with a weighbridge and office / welfare facilities. The building is open on the southern side. The

steel frame of a former building also remains on site. The facility currently receives commercial

and industrial (C&I), construction and demolition (C&D) and inert wastes. The commercial and

industrial wastes are delivered to site in waste collection vehicles and are off-loaded onto the

floor of the building. These C&I wastes include ‘black bag’ waste containing some putrescible

and food waste. The C&I wastes are re-loaded into large vehicles using a front loader for

delivery to the Mick George waste management facility at Rushton. The C&D wastes are

delivered to site in skips and off-loaded into the site building. These C&D wastes may be

subject to a degree of sorting prior to collection for off-site delivery. Excavation wastes

comprising soils and stones are stockpiled externally (soils, stones etc).



4.1.3 All the C&I wastes are removed off-site within 24 hours of delivery and where possible on the

same day of receipt. These wastes currently handled at the facility have the potential to

generate odours due to the presence of putrescible wastes.

4.1.4 The facility currently operates 07.00-17.00 5 days a week and 07.00-12.00 on Saturdays.

4.1.5 The operations undertaken at the site are operated under an Environmental Permit issued by

the EA (licence number: EAWML 10061; dated 20th December 2007). This permits a

Household, Commercial and Industrial Waste Transfer Station with Treatment. The licence

specifies the following condition relating to odour:

‘3.4 Odour

3.4.1 Emissions from the site activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause

annoyance outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Agency,

unless the licence holder has used appropriate measures to prevent or where that is

not practicable, to minimise, the odour.’

4.1.6 The Environmental Permit does not require an Odour Management Plan to be implemented.

4.2 Proposals

4.2.1 The proposals are to increase the total maximum annual through-put of waste materials to

200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) consisting of 100,000 tpa of kerbside collected household

waste, 50,000 tpa of construction, demolition and excavation waste and 50,000 tpa of

commercial and industrial waste.

4.2.2 The proposals also include for the construction of an additional access point to enable provision

of separate ingress and exit points. The facility will operate from 07.00 to 18.00 7 days a week.

It is envisaged that no more than 20 loads would be delivered to the site on Sundays and Bank

Holidays, and that no handling of material would take place on these days.

4.2.3 The existing building is to be utilised and there will be no demolition or construction activities.

4.2.4 It is understood that a variation to the existing Environmental Permit is not required as this

currently permits a through-put of 200,000 tpa.



5 Baseline Conditions

5.1 General Site Setting

5.1.1 The site is located on an area of land immediately alongside the Great Billing waste water

treatment works (WwTW) to the southeast of Great Billing and in the eastern outskirts of

Northampton. The WwTW is located within a strip of land between Lower Ecton Lane to the

north and the River Nene and associated lakes and ponds (former sand and gravel workings) to

the south. The WwTW is operated by Anglian Water (AW) and forms a strategic site for AW

within the region. A newly constructed sludge treatment facility associated with the WwTW lies

to the immediate west of the site. To the south, across the access road, lies a series of aeration

tanks and final settlement tanks. The inlet, screening and removal area and primary settlement

tanks lie to the southeast. The WwTW also incorporates an open windrow composting facility

located 300m to the south.

5.1.2 Other industrial facilities in the area include two further waste transfer stations and recycling

facilities and a bulk fuel storage facility as shown on Drawing D01. Sand and gravel workings

and a roadstone coating plant are located to the south alongside the River Nene.

5.1.3 The nearest residential development to the site is a caravan park (traveller’s site) located 135m

to the northwest of the site off Lower Ecton Lane. Ecton Brook Primary School and further

residential development is located off Ecton Brook Road 350m to the north / north-northwest

beyond the A45, with further residential properties located to the northwest beyond the A45 /

A5075 junction. A row of terraced houses are located about 485m to the southwest on Crow

Lane with a hotel and public house 795m distant. The village of Ecton lies 1.4km to the

northeast.

5.2 Topography

5.2.1 The site is located at an elevation of about 55m aod. The site itself, and adjoining land, is

relatively flat forming part of the valley of the River Nene. Ground to the north rises gently to the

village of Ecton and to the south beyond the River Nene.

5.3 Wind Speed and Direction

5.3.1 The most important meteorological parameters governing the atmospheric dispersion of

pollutants are:

o wind direction: determines the broad direction of transport of the emission;

o wind speed: affects ground level emissions by determining the initial dilution of

pollutants emitted;

o atmospheric stability: a measure of turbulence.



5.3.2 The summary annual windrose for the Meteorological Office weather station at Bedford, which

lies about 23 km to the east-southeast of the site, and forms the closest appropriate weather

station, for the period January 2002 to December 2011, is included in Appendix A.

5.3.3 The wind roses depict percentage wind speeds and directions for the whole year. Data derived

from the wind roses are summarised in the following table.

Table 5.1: Summary Wind Data, Bedford

Direction Annual percentage occurrence

All winds Winds >10 knots

N 9.4 3.2

NE 10.1 3.4

E 5.1 0.8

SE 6.4 1.1

S 14.5 5.5

SW 26.6 9.0

W 16.0 5.4

NW 9.4 3.2

Calm / Variable 0.5 -

Note: Annual “All winds” % occurrence does not total 100 due to rounding

5.4 The data show that, as an annual average, winds predominate in the sector from the south

round to the west, accounting for 57% of all winds. The wind frequencies in each of the

remaining sectors range between 5 and 12% annually.

5.5 Odours

5.5.1 Activities at the site itself have the potential to generate odour through the handling and

temporary storage of C&I wastes that contain food and other degradable materials. These are

discussed in greater detail in Section 6.

5.5.2 The adjoining WwTW has the potential to produce significant odours due to a wide range of

chemical species such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, organic sulphides and organic nitrogen

based compounds during both normal and abnormal operations. Principal sources of odour

from a WwTW include the raw influent, screening, sedimentation tanks and sludge storage.

The degree of odours that may arise will depend on a number of factors including general

management, design and operation of the plant and odour abatement. Recommendations for

the management of odours from WwTWs are provided in DEFRA guidance3. However, even

with the adoption of best practice it is recognised that the achievement of zero odour around a

WwTW may not be possible in all circumstances.

3 DEFEA, Cope of Practice on odour Nuisance from Sewage Treatment Works, 2006



5.5.3 Discussions with the NBC Officer indicated that the principal odours sources at the Great Billing

STW are the primary settlement tanks, the digesters and the cake outfall, along with the

composting areas. It is understood that AW has undertaken significant investment over recent

years in installing odour abatement plant.

5.5.4 A number of other potential sources of odour exist in the area including the roadstone coating

plant to the south.

5.6 Complaints

5.6.1 The NBC officer advised that there have been no complaints received by the Council

specifically regarding odours from the site itself. It is understood however that complaints are

frequently received by WBC regarding the WwTW from residents of Ecton village.

5.7 Odour Sniff Survey

5.7.1 To assist in the assessment, and to provide background data on the current site conditions, an

odour ‘sniff’ survey was undertaken during the SGP site visit. The survey was undertaken in

accordance with the guidance provided by the EA in H4.

5.7.2 The survey comprised a series of 3 complete ‘sniff test’ circuits undertaken between 10.30 and

16.45 on 7th June. During the course of the surveys the wind was a gentle to moderate breeze

and from the northwest to west. The wind direction on the day of the survey was such that

odours would not be expected to be detected at the most sensitive receptors in the area.

However, the survey remains appropriate in providing background information on odours in the

general area.

5.7.3 The ‘sniff testing’ was carried out over a period of 5 minutes at a number of locations within the

surrounding area. Full field records are provided in Appendix B.

5.7.4 For each round of ‘sniff testing’ the time, wind direction, wind strength and temperature was

recorded at each location. Any odours detected were qualitatively assessed against two

criteria, intensity and offensiveness, with the location assessed for sensitively (based on the

proposed development). These criteria are outlined below.

Table 5.2: Odour assessment criteria (as defined in H4) Intensity

1 no detectable odour

2 faint odour (barely detectable, need to stand still and inhale facing wind)

3 moderate odour (odour easily detected whilst walking and breathing normally)



4 strong odour

5 very strong odour (possibly causing nausea depending on type of odour)

Offensiveness (taking into account strength, persistence and typical frequency of exposure) 0 unlikely to be offensive (although may pose an annoyance if experienced persistently

over a long period of time) 1 potentially offensive

2 moderately offensive

3 very offensive

5.7.5 During the site visit a moderate, potentially offensive, odour on site was detected when stood in

the immediate vicinity of the C&I wastes. The odour fell rapidly away from the material and was

not detectable on the site boundary. Odours were similarly not detected during the loading and

off-loading of C&I wastes at the site boundary.

5.7.6 A moderate ‘sewage’ type odour was however detected at the site’s northwest boundary, likely

to be associated with the adjoining sludge treatment works. This odour was clearly distinct from

that close to the C&I wastes. A moderate ‘sewage’ odour of moderate offensiveness was also

detected along a stretch of the access road between the sludge treatment plant and settlement

tanks to the east of the site. This odour was noted along this stretch of road on all 3 sniff

surveys.

5.7.7 Odours were not detected anywhere else in the vicinity of the site that may be attributable to

either the site itself or the WwTW.

6 Odour Assessment

6.1 Key Odour Sources

6.1.1 The key additional potential sources of odour associated with the proposed revised site

operations will be the receipt and handling of household waste and the increased through-put of

C&I wastes. The generation of odour in household waste is primarily related to the release of

odorous volatile organic compounds during the anaerobic breakdown of organic material. The

degree of odour generated by such material depends on the quantity of organic materials

present within the wastes, the age of the organic material, and hence extent of degradation, the

surface area of exposed materials and the quantity of material stored on site.

6.1.2 The material to be delivered to the site will be from kerbside domestic collections. As such the

material may be up to 2 weeks old. The material is however expected to have a reduced

putrescible content due to at source separation and recycling of vegetable matter. The waste



material will be delivered to site in enclosed refuse collection vehicles. The material will be

transferred to the floor of the building, and subsequently into large enclosed vehicles using a

front loader. The greatest potential for odour release will therefore be during agitation of the

material during handling and loading operations, and to a lesser extent during storage. The

material will not undergo any form of treatment, such as shredding or screening, that would

result in a greater risk of odorous releases. Waste storage on site will be limited to a maximum

of 24 hours minimising the potential for the material to degrade and become odorous.

6.1.3 The building is not contained or sealed and as such odour releases will primarily be via fugitive

emissions via the open side to the south, and the open windows on the northern building side.

6.2 Potentially Sensitive Receptors

6.2.1 Sensitive receptors are identified as members of the public who may be exposed to harmful

releases arising from the proposed development. The EA guidance identifies 3 tiers of receptor

sensitivity with respect to odours: low: footpaths, roads; medium: e.g. industrial and

commercial premises; high: e.g. housing, pubs and hotels.

6.2.2 A representative selection of potentially sensitive receptors that have been identified within the

vicinity of the site are detailed below in Table 6.1 and shown on drawing D01. The approximate

frequency at which winds will be blown from the waste transfer station towards these receptors,

based on the windrose provided in Section 5.3, is also indicated.

Table 6.1: Potentially Sensitive Receptors

Ref Receptor Type Distance and Orientation 1

Approximate Frequency of Winds Blowing towards Receptor (%)

O01 Bulk Fuel Oil facility industrial 147 WSW 3.0

O02 Caravan Park residential 127 NW 8.5

O03 Ecton Drive Primary

School

school 326 NNW 13.0

O04 Petrol retail Garage

and Café

commercial 530 NE 26.3

O05 Pennycross Place residential 413 NW 13.0

O06 Station Road residential 523 WNW 6.5

O07 Crow Lane residential 484 SW 6.0

O08 Builder’s merchant commercial 768 SW 9.5

O09 Fayre & Square commercial 875 SW 11.6

1: distance taken from the site boundary to the gardens or property boundary



6.2.3 The data indicates that the cumulative frequency of winds blowing towards the nearest sensitive

receptor, the caravan park, is 8.5%. This represents the maximum proportion of the time

annually when odour may be an issue.

6.3 Odour Assessment

6.3.1 To provide further information a preliminary screening modelling exercise was undertaken using

ADMS v4 to determine the potential odour emissions from the current and proposed operations,

and impacts on the nearby receptors. The odour emission rates will be highly variable

depending in particular on the nature of the waste and degree of anaerobic decay. No

measurements have been made of the existing odour emissions arising from the facility and

very limited literature data is available regarding emission rates from household waste at waste

transfer stations. Odour emission rates have therefore been derived from data provided in the

Netherlands Emissions Guidelines for Air4. These guidelines provide odour emission factors of

138 ouE/m3 for the storage of household organic food waste and 15x105 ouE/m3 per tonne for

household organic food waste material being ‘dumped’. These factors are likely to be

substantially higher than would be experienced at the site as they are provided for household

food waste for composting rather than the mixed household wastes that would be received by

the site. The estimated rates should therefore be treated with caution and are indicative only

providing a conservative assessment.

6.3.2 The potential odour emission rates from the site were estimated based on the likely existing and

future average surface area of stored material present at any one time and the volume of

material off-loaded and loaded during the day. The calculations took into account the current

and proposed operational times and throughput of potentially odorous wastes. The model has

been run for estimated emission rates from the household and C&I wastes. The C&D and inert

materials are unlikely to give rise to significant odours and have not been modelled. The model

assumes that, although the daily through-put will change, the area of temporary stored material

will remain similar to currently due to the available capacity of the building and the requirement

to remove material off-site to the receiving sites as soon as possible.

6.3.3 The emission rates used in the model were:

activity emission rate1,2 (ouE/s)

note

current operations

loading / off-loading 8,334 loading

8,334 off-loading

modelled for across the working hours

temporary storage 11,040 24 hrs / day

proposed operations

4 Netherlands Emissions Guidelines for Air (NER), 2004



activity emission rate1,2 (ouE/s)

note

loading / off-loading 15,568 loading

15,568 off-loading

modelled for across the working hours (assumes

through-put of 100,00 tpa household waste and

50,000 tpa C&I wastes)

temporary storage 11,040 24 hrs / day

1: Emission rates based on emission factors provided in the NER 2004 for ‘food waste’. No suitable

literature data available for household waste at waste transfer stations

2: Emission rates calculated from average daily material through-put and estimated average area of

temporary storage

6.3.4 The modelling was undertaken using hourly sequential meteorological data for the year 2007 for

Wittering, which is 40 km to the northeast. The model outputs are depicted in plots ADMS-1-07

and ADMS-2-07 and depict the 98th percentile odour concentrations i.e. that level which will not

be exceeded for more than 2% of the time, or 175 hours per annum.

6.3.5 The model has been run primarily to determine the potential changes between the current and

proposed scenarios. Given the proposed waste comprises freshly collected kerbside household

waste that is to be stored on site for a maximum of 24 hours, it is considered that odours arising

from the site may be considered to be of ‘moderate’ offensiveness and that in accordance with

EA guidance H4 3 ouE/m3, expressed as a 98th percentile, provides an indicative criterion.

6.3.6 The plot for the existing scenario indicates the 98th percentile 3 ouE/m3 isopleth to extend to the

edge of Lower Ecton Lane with the 1.5 ouE/m3 isopleth extending across the caravan park.

There are no sensitive receptors within the 3 ouE/m3 isopleth. The plot for the proposed

scenario indicates the 98th percentile 3 ouE/m3 isopleth extending slightly beyond the extent in

the existing scenario and crossing the southeast corner of the caravan park. No other sensitive

receptors lie within either the 1.5 or 3 ouE/m3 isopleths. The concentration of 3 ouE/m3

represents the point at which a smell is recognisable to an olfactometry panel but is not

noticeable in the field.

6.4 Summary

6.4.1 The proposals include for an amendment to the waste types and volumes to be received at the

facility. The existing site operations have the potential to give rise to odour due to the presence

of purtrescible wastes (typically food wastes) within the C&I waste received on site. The

primary sources of odour will be the agitation of C&I waste during off-loading and loading

activities, and to a lesser extent, the temporary on-site storage of that waste. The proposals

include for the through-put of 100,000 tonnes per annum of kerbside household waste, which

will also have the potential to give rise to odour, along with an increased through-put in C&I

wastes. The ‘at-source’ recycling of vegetable matter and other potentially degradable wastes



should however serve to reduce the potentially putrescible content of household waste thereby

reducing the potential to give rise to odours. As currently the rapid turnaround of the material

and retention on site for less than 24 hours will ensure the potential for anaerobic degradation of

the material is minimised. The operations will remain regulated by the EA under the existing

environmental permit. Under the permit, as presently, the site will require operation such that

emissions from the site are free from odour at levels likely to cause annoyance outside the site

as deemed by the EA officer, unless appropriate measures have been used to prevent or

minimise the odour.

6.4.2 At the time of the site visit there was no odour associated with the site activities detectable on

the site boundary. Odours associated with the adjoining WwTW were however detectable on

the site boundary and along the site access road. Although extensive complaints have

historically been raised regarding odours from the WwTW it is understood that there have not

been any complaints raised regarding the current operations of the site.

6.4.3 The nearest sensitive receptor to the site is the caravan park located 127m to the northwest.

The caravan park is however located in closer proximity to, and downwind of, the WwTW, and

in particular the sludge treatment works, than the site.

6.4.4 To further inform the assessment the potential odours that may be generated by the existing

and future activities have been subject to preliminary modelling. The modelling of the proposed

activities suggests that the 98th percentile 3 ouE/m3 isopleth, the indicative criterion provided by

the EA for the assessment of potential impacts of moderately offensive odours may cross part

of the caravan park. However, as noted above the emission rates used in the model should be

treated with caution and are likely to significantly over estimate the actual odour emissions from

the site as they are established for ‘food waste’ as opposed to mixed household waste.

6.4.5 Given the changes in waste and volume of through-put the modelling indicates the odours close

to the source will be greater than presently. However, taking into account the over-estimation of

the odour emission rates utilised in the modelling exercise, the modelling does not indicate

significant changes from the existing and proposed scenario impacts at the sensitive receptors,

assuming maintenance of waste storage on site for less than 24 hours and minimisation of the

volume stored on site at any one time.

6.4.6 On this basis, it is considered that with the implementation of certain management measures to

minimise the potential for generation of odours on site, the proposals will not significantly impact

the nearby sensitive receptors, or produce significant additional impacts to those posed by the

adjoining WwTW.



7 Monitoring and Management Recommendations

7.1 Odour Control Methods

7.1.1 The control of odours will be undertaken through the implementation of effective site

management which will be detailed in an Odour Management Plan (OMP). The essence of the

OMP will the minimisation of the generation of odours by the materials handled and temporarily

stored on site.

7.1.2 As an over-riding requirement, particularly during a long warm period, if any operations are

identified as causing, or likely to cause, an odour annoyance beyond the site boundary, or if

abnormal odours are observed within the site, then the Site Manager will immediately modify,

reduce or suspend those operations until effective remedial actions can be taken.

7.1.3 All incoming loads will be inspected by either the Site Manager or Supervisor. Any loads

considered to be highly odorous, or likely to give rise to strong and offensive odours during

storage on site, will be refused entry to the site.

7.1.4 A high standard of house-keeping will be adopted particularly around the household waste

storage area. Any spillages around the area or stockpiles will be cleared promptly. Loose

materials will be cleaned from on or under the plant structures at least weekly to avoid the build-

up of anaerobic material.

7.1.5 The volume of potentially odorous wastes on-site at any one time will be kept to a minimum

through the regular off-site delivery to the receiving site. This will minimise the potential for

material to become anaerobic and odorous. Wastes with the potential to generate odours will

be removed from site within 24 hours of delivery and, where-ever possible, on the same day as

receipt of the waste. The floor of the storage area will be cleaned and washed on a regular

basis to prevent the accumulation of anaerobic material and leachate.

7.1.6 Movement and agitation of the stored material will be kept to a minimum to prevent the releases

of odours.

7.1.7 Other operational measures and techniques that will be implemented to minimise any fugitive

odours arising from the site activities are:

o regularly checking and sweeping of the surfaced route and general yard area to ensure

that no deposits of anaerobic material are allowed to accumulate;

o inspection, and cleaning if necessary, by the driver of vehicles leaving the site before

proceeding onto the public highway;



o sheeting, or otherwise containing, of all incoming and outgoing loads to avoid the release

of fugitive emissions during transport and spillage of materials on the public highway;

o cleaning of the HGV access road to prevent track-out of any spilled materials

o maintenance of plant in a clean condition and removal of all accumulations of waste

materials and debris

o formation of stockpiled material within clearly designated areas

o maintenance of the edges of stockpiles to minimise trafficking through stored materials

7.1.8 In the event any waste material stored within the building on site becomes strongly odorous and

is deemed likely to cause an odour annoyance outside the site boundary, the dust suppression

system will be utilised which contains a deodorising additive.

Maintenance

7.1.9 A programme of planned maintenance will be carried out on all plant in accordance with the

manufacturers' recommendations, to ensure that it operates at optimum efficiency. The

maintenance records will be made available for inspection on request.

7.1.10 Stocks of essential spares and consumable items will be held readily available for use at short

notice.

7.1.11 Any malfunction or breakdown leading to abnormal odour generation, e.g. the front loader

preventing off-site delivery of material will be dealt with promptly and all delivery of material to

the site will be modified or suspended until normal working can be restored. All such

malfunctions will be recorded in the site logbook.

Site Management

7.1.12 The Site Manager will exercise, either personally or by delegation to suitably trained and

responsible staff, day to day control on the site. The Site Manager will be responsible for

ensuring full compliance with any planning permission which may be issued and with the odour

management scheme.

7.1.13 Specifically, the Site Manager will be responsible for:

o incoming and outgoing vehicle movements,

o loading, tipping and material handling operations,

o inspection and cleaning of departing transport,

o inspection, cleaning and maintenance of all plant,

o house-keeping,

o record keeping, and

o satisfactory working of the whole site.



7.1.14 Staff at all levels will receive the necessary training and instruction in their duties relating to

control of all operations and the potential sources of odour emissions. Training records will be

kept and will be made available for inspection on request.

7.1.15 Any member of staff who fails to comply with the provisions of the odour management scheme

will be liable to disciplinary action. Any external hauliers who fail to observe the requirements in

respect of vehicle operations will be barred from the site.

Emissions Monitoring

7.1.16 An assessment of the odour at the site will made at the start of the day, prior to the

commencement of site operations, and thence twice daily during off-loading or loading

operations, and a daily record maintained. This will include an assessment of any impacts at

the downwind site boundary.

7.1.17 All observations and findings, including wind and other weather conditions, will be noted in the

site diary.

7.1.18 Should strong odours be present at the site boundary, the Site Manager will act promptly to

identify the source(s) of the odours and take the necessary corrective action. Each event, its

cause and the action taken will be recorded in the site logbook.

7.1.19 The site daily records will be kept available for inspection by NBC on request.

Complaints

7.1.20 All complaints will be recorded and reported to the Site Manager, who will investigate the

circumstances and ensure that any necessary corrective measures are taken. A prompt

response will be made to the complainant and a record, including copies of all correspondence

and telephone filenotes, will be made in the complaints register to be held at the site office.

7.1.21 NBC will be advised, in writing within one week, of any odour complaint received together with

details of the findings of the investigation and any corrective measures which have been taken.

7.1.22 In the event of any substantiated complaint, the odour management scheme will be reviewed

and amended as necessary.



8 Conclusions

8.1 An odour assessment has been undertaken to assess the potential impacts of proposed

changes to the site operations on the local environment and potentially sensitive receptors. The

application site currently handles C&I, C&D and inert wastes. The proposals include for the

additional handling of household waste along with increasing the through-put, alterations to the

site operating hours and construction of a new egress point. It is understood that the site will

continue to be regulated by the Environment Agency under the existing Environmental Permit.

8.2 The site lies alongside a large WwTW which has given rise to a large number of complaints

from local residents due to odours. No complaints are understood to have been raised

regarding the existing operations of the site itself. The existing site operations may give rise to

odours primarily through the ‘black-bag’ waste contained within the C& I wastes. The rapid

turnaround of material on-site and temporary storage for less than 24 hours, however serves to

reduce the potential for the material to go anaerobic and generate significant odours.

8.2.1 A preliminary modelling exercise has been undertaken to assess the potential changes on

odour risks posed by the site due to the proposed operations. The model results do not indicate

that the changes to the site operations will result in significant changes in potential impacts at

the sensitive receptors, taking into account the over-estimation of the emission rates utilised in

the modelling, as long as maintenance of waste storage on site for less than 24 hours is

achieved and volume of waste materials stored on site at any one time is minimised. Additional

mitigation measures will be further employed, as detailed in an Odour Management Plan, to

reduce the generation of odours by the materials on site, to further reduce the potential for any

impacts on the receptors, and in particular the nearby caravan park.

8.2.2 On this basis, it is considered that with the implementation of certain management the

proposals will not significantly impact the nearby sensitive receptors, or produce significant

additional impacts to those posed by the adjoining WwTW.

Waste Transfer Station, Great Billing Odour Assessment


DRAWINGS

Project:

Drawing:

Drawn:

Date:

Job No:

Checked:

Scale:

Station HouseStation Road, RuabonWrexham, LL14 6DLTel: 01978 822367Fax: 01978 824718

www.smithgrant.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Drg No:

Reproduced with the permission ofthe Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright

Licence No. 100005799

Great Billing Waste Transfer Station

KEH LD

03.12.121:10,000

@ A4

R1782

Site Location

D01

Sludge treatment works

Aeration and final settlement tanks

Household waste recyclingfacility

Roadstone coating plant

Open windrow composting

Site Location

Project:

Drawing:

Drawn:

Date:

Job No:

Checked:

Scale:

Station HouseStation Road, RuabonWrexham, LL14 6DLTel: 01978 822367Fax: 01978 824718

www.smithgrant.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Drg No:

Reproduced with the permission ofthe Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright

Licence No. 100005799

Great Billing Waste Transfer Station

KEH LD

03.12.121:10,000

@ A4

R1782

Site Location

O02

O03O04

O05

O06

O07

O08

Representative Receptor Location

Site Settingand

Nearby ReceptorsO09

O01

D02



ADMS PLOTS

ADMS 1-07 and ADMS 2-07



APPENDIX A

WIND ROSES, BEDFORD



WIND ROSE FOR BEDFORD N.G.R: 5049E 2598N ALTITUDE: 85 metres a.m.s.l.

KNOTSSEASON: ANNUAL Period of data: Jan 2002 - Dec 2011

86215 OBS. 3.3% CALM

0.0% VARIABLE

1-10

11-16

17-27

28-33

>33

0%

20%

10%

5%



APPENDIX B

Field ‘Sniff’ Survey’ Results

ODOUR CHECKLIST

G:/quality/checklists/AQ - odour

job number: R1782 site: Great Billing WTS date: 07.11.12

compiled by: KEH weather: Dry temperature: 10°C

wind strength: variable during survey wind direction: NW-W general air stability:

cloud cover: variable during survey time (start): 10.28 start (finish):

time of test: 10.29 10.34 10.42 10.45 10.47

location ref: 1 2 3 4 5

location description: Ecton Brook Road Ecton Brook Road Pennycress Place Pennycress Place Station Road

weather conditions: dry dry dry dry dry

temperature: 10°C, 3/8 cloud 10°C, 3/8 cloud 10°C, 3/8 cloud 10°C, 3/8 cloud 10°C, 4/8 cloud

wind strength (1-7): 3 3 3 3 3

wind direction: NW NW NW NW NW

duration of test: 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1 1

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 0 0

offensiveness (1-3) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 10.53 10.57 11.02 11.05 11.10


location description: Lower Ecton Lane Lower Ecton Lane beyond site entrance nr WWTW nr WWTW






intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 3 3

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 1 1

offensiveness (1-3) n/a n/a n/a 2 2

nature of smell: sewage sewage

potential source: WWTW WWTW

other comments:

odour detected along short stretch of road between

sludge treatment plant and settlement tanks to east

of site; distinct sewage odour

ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 11.15 11.20 11.25 11.28

location ref: 11 12 13 14

location description: Ravens Way / Crow

Lane

Premier Inn road to Tarmac plant near Tarmac plant

weather conditions: dry dry dry dry

temperature: 10°C, 6/8 cloud 10°C, 6/8 cloud 10°C, 6/8 cloud 10°C, 6/8 cloud

wind strength (1-7): 4 4 3 3

wind direction: NW NW NW NW

duration of test: 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 0

offensiveness (1-5) n/a n/a n/a n/a

nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST


Guide Notes: time of test:

location ref and

description:

commence assessment from upwind and distant location moving towards installation or area of possible stronger odour; mark all

locations on plan

weather conditions: dry, rain, fog, snow etc

temperature: degrees C if known, otherwise warm, cold, very warm, mild etc

wind strength: Beaufort Scale

0. calm (smoke rises vertically);

1. light air (direction of wind shown by smoke drift, not wind vane);

2. light breeze (wind felt on face, leaves rustle, ordinary vane moved by wind);

3. gentle breeze (leaves and small twigs in constant motion);

4. moderate breeze (raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved);

5. fresh breeze (small trees in leaf begin to sway, small branches are moved);

6. strong breeze (large branches in motion, umbrellas used with difficulty)

7. near gale (whole trees in motion, inconvenience felt when walking against wind)

wind direction: eg. from NE

duration of test: test should be over standard time, typically 5 mins per location

intensity: 1. no detectable odour;

2. faint odour (barely detectable, need to stand still and inhale facing the wind);

3. moderate odour (odour easily detected while walking and breathing normally);

4. strong odour;

5. very strong odour (possibly causing nausea depending on type of odour)

sensitivity: (sensitivity of location where odour detected)

0. no odour detectable;

1. remote (no housing, commercial / industrial premises or public area within 50m);

2. low (no housing etc within 100m of area affected by odour);

3. moderate (housing etc within 100m);

4. high (housing etc within area affected by odour);

ODOUR CHECKLIST


5. extra sensitive (complaints arising from residents within area affected by odour)

offensiveness: take into account strength, persistent and typical frequency of exposure

1. potentially offensive; 2. moderately offensive; 3. very offensive

nature of smell: i.e. what does it smell like

potential source: i.e. site of interest, neighbouring sites such as sewage works, landfill, compost facility, food factory, sludge spreading etc

other comments: any other comments

For more guidance refer to H4 Odour Management, How to comply with your environmental permit, Environment Agency

ODOUR CHECKLIST




wind strength: variable during survey wind direction: NW-W general air stability:


time of test: 13.42 13.45 13.48 13.52 13.56






wind direction: NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W


intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1 1

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 0 0


nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 14.01 14.04 14.07 14.10 14.13








intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 3-4 3-4

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 1 1

offensiveness (1-3) n/a n/a n/a 2-3 2-3



other comments:




ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 14.18 14.22 14.25 14.28



Lane





wind direction: NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W

duration of test: 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins 2 mins

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1



nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST



location ref and

description:


locations on plan

















4. strong odour;








ODOUR CHECKLIST









ODOUR CHECKLIST




wind strength: variable during survey wind direction: NW-W general air stability: stable


time of test: 16.06 16.08 16.11 16.14 16.16






wind direction: NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W

duration of test: 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1 1

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 0 0


nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 16.19 16.22 16.25 16.28 16.29







duration of test: 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 2 2

sensitivity (1-5): 0 0 0 1 1

offensiveness (1-3) n/a n/a n/a 2 2



other comments:




ODOUR CHECKLIST


time of test: 16.32 16.35 16.38 16.41



Lane





wind direction: NW-W NW-W NW-W NW-W

duration of test: 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min

intensity (1-5): 1 1 1 1



nature of smell:

potential source:

other comments:

ODOUR CHECKLIST



location ref and

description:


locations on plan

















4. strong odour;








ODOUR CHECKLIST









waste transfer station, lower ecton lane, great billing

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